Budget Cuts–7 Ideas for Taking Action

People in Texas love to tell you that we do things in a big way. In this case, it's true. Our state is facing HUGE cutbacks in our education budget next year. We're talking 10 B-B-Billion dollars! My own district will need to make a reduction of 65 million dollars. Clearly, change is on the horizon, and no one is happy about it.

I know we are not alone in our plight. Many states are in the same situation and have been dealing with this crisis for the past several years. The problem is widespread, leaving no one untouched, from massive urban school districts to small one elementary, middle and high school districts.

So, what's next? What's a teacher to do? Every newspaper and newscast predicts dire outcomes. It's easy to fall into despair. But to be honest, I getting tired of worrying. I'm ready to get my head on straight and take some action that works for me.

1. Behavior Management
   The students are coming, ready or not. Class sizes will be larger, of that I am sure. Now is the time to review, add to and design new systems that accommodate larger groups. On my summer reading list, I'll have some new behavior management books to read and CDs to listen to. Even one or two new ideas might be just the ticket to help out next year.
2. Room Design
   With more bodies in the classroom, I will need to take a hard look at the layout of my space. Is there any furniture I can get rid of? Do I need to turn tables a different way to maximize a view of the white board. You get the idea.
3. Let it Go
   With more students, I'll have more parent conferences, report cards, phone calls, emails, more everything. Something will have to go. Perhaps this is a great time to review units and lessons while culling down to only the best. As the saying goes, I need to work smarter, not harder!
4. Take Care
   I'm one of those teachers that has a hard time leaving it all at school at the end of the day. I spend too much time thinking about and working on school. I know I need to exercise, eat healthier, play harder and get more sleep. Perhaps this is the time I do need to take care of myself so I have the physical and mental stamina to face the extra demands.
5. Be Kind to Student Teachers
   I am so sad when I see student teachers in the halls. Most likely, it's going to be difficult for them to find jobs anytime soon, in my state at least. I worry about these young people. Who will be teaching our children in ten to fifteen years if we lose a whole crop of teachers to other industries? This gives me a heavy heart.
6. Write Your Lawmakers
   Here's what I've decided to do. I send a weekly email to my state representatives. In the subject line I write, "Make education a priority." In the text I invite them to come and visit my classroom. I doubt they actually read my message but each email might be counted as a vote for education.
7. No Whining
   Ok, this will be a hard one. I can go to the classroom next door after school and dish it out with the best of them, but really, it's only a temporary unproductive release. In reality, I know that budget cuts and job loses have been the norm for many other professions for a while now. Just ask your small business owners, anyone in the building industry and the list goes on. We don't corner the market on hard work either. My husband works for a large computer corporation and his business calls often begin at six am and then continue after dinner for another four to five hours to reach the far corners of the globe. Everyone seems to be working as hard as they can these days.

Clearly, what would be more productive is to focus on the positive. Realistically, I'm not sure I'm ever going to take the time to write in a gratitude journal. But what I could do is turn off the radio on the drive to work and faithfully take those few minutes to think about the wonderful things that fall in my lap because I get to spend my day with children. When teaching goes well, nothing is sweeter.

Teachers do make important contributions to our schools, our communities, our nation and the future. I want to hold on to that thought. Not everyone gets to say that about their job. So if you see me down the hall complaining, tell me to get back to my own room and deal. Remind me that there are pink slipped teachers, plus an entire class of student teachers nationwide, who would be happy to take my place. Hmm

So as we travel this road of uncertainty, let us join together in spirit and keep the children our priority. They need us to be at our best more now than ever before. We need each other. The stakes are high. Let us be brave, step up to the challenge and do whatever it takes.